Big problem with the new Aussie coins

THE Australian Mint has released its new collection of coins hitting your wallet in 2019, simultaneously unveiling the new image of Queen Elizabeth II that will be printed on them.

It's the sixth time the Queen has had her effigy updated on Australian coins, which was last changed in 2000.

The new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: AAP Image/Department of Treasury

But the new effigy, which also shows the Queen's shoulders and neckline - something that hasn't been done since 1966 - isn't sitting well with everyone.

The image of Queen Elizabeth has drawn a substantial amount of social media criticism, with Aussies claiming the effigy makes the royal look angry and manly.

"The Australian Government announced they're using a new pic of the Queen on all coins from next year, but I can't stop laughing at how much it looks like Prince Philip," one user wrote on Twitter.

"Pretty dodgy. Looks like a bloke. Keep the old version," another added.

A number of Twitter users suggested the image looked like a drag queen.

"Prince Philip in drag, the palace has simply got the photos mixed up, easy mistake to make," one wrote.

"Dame Edna dead ringer," another replied.

The updated image of the Queen has been on United Kingdom coins since 2015, but has only drawn criticism since the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Michael Sukkar unveiled the effigy to Aussies on the weekend.

Despite the backlash, Mr Sukkar said the update is simply a matter of protocol.

"The Government is upholding the tradition of periodically updating Her Majesty's image on Australia's coins," Mr Sukkar said.

"This new effigy will replace the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy which has been in use since 1998."

Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy.

Since the Queen took the throne in 1952, the effigy has been updated by different engravers across the world.

Engraver Jody Clark, from the Royal Mint in Britain, won a competition to update the image.

Before her was fellow Brit Ian Rank-Broadley who won a similar competition in 1997 with his "realistic, not idealistic" image of the Queen.

"There is no need to disguise the matureness of the Queen's years," Rank-Broadley said at the time.

"There is no need to flatter her. She is a 70-year old woman with poise and bearing."